Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” vs. “Black Cement”: Which Should You Get?

20th May 2025 EDT RELEASES

Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” vs. “Black Cement”: Which Should You Get?

Dive into their design, retro releases, aesthetic differences, and current resale prices to find your perfect pair.

Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” vs. “Black Cement”: Which Should You Get?

Two titans of sneaker culture, the Air Jordan 4 “White Cement” and “Black Cement” stand tall among the most iconic colorways in history. Both originally graced courts and streets alike in 1989 and have enjoyed a steady stream of retro releases throughout the decades, continuously fueling the fervor of collectors and new fans alike.

And with the “White Cement” confirmed for a highly anticipated return in May 2025, now is the perfect moment to revisit both legendary models.

If you find yourself torn between these two quintessential colorways, this article might just be the answer to your sneaker-head dilemma.

Design

Air Jordan 4 “White Cement”

Air Jordan 4 “Black Cement” (Bred)

Browse on SNKRDUNK

You might think it’s as simple as choosing between black and white, but zoom in a little closer. It’s the exquisite details of each pair that truly allow you to appreciate the thought behind the design and differentiate them.

The White Cement AJ4 is celebrated for its clean white leather, speckled gray “cement” accents, and bold black contrasts. It’s a striking look that captures attention and makes you stand out from the crowd.

On the other hand, the Black Cement AJ4 takes on a slightly more toned-down approach with its black soft nubuck upper, grey midsole, and iconic red details. This classic color combination also earned it the widely popular “Bred” moniker (Black + Red). It’s a sleek, versatile look that is still considered one of the greatest sneaker releases of all time.

Verdict: Here, the choice comes down to personal style: do you crave the bold, standout appeal of the White Cement, or the sleek, versatile swagger of the Black Cement?

Retro Releases

Looking at the retro releases of each pair further illustrates their enduring appeal. For the White Cement AJ4, key retro years include:

• 1999: The first retro, generally well-received for its close fidelity to the original.
• 2012: This release famously featured the Jumpman logo on the heel instead of the original Nike Air branding, which was a point of contention for purists and became a notable deviation from the OG.
• 2016: This retro brought back the original Nike Air branding on the heel, a welcome return for many fans who preferred the original aesthetic.
• 2025: Set to return in May, this release is highly anticipated for its efforts to be even more faithful to the 1989 original in terms of shape, materials, and overall details, promising the closest re-creation yet.

As for the Black Cement AJ4 (or “Bred”), its own retro journey has been equally significant:

• 1999: This marked its very first retro release, a decade after its original debut, maintaining the Nike Air branding on the heel and staying largely true to the OG.
• 2008: Released as part of the “Countdown Pack” series, this retro famously swapped the original Nike Air branding on the heel for the Jumpman logo—a significant change for many long-time collectors.
• 2012: Continuing with the Jumpman heel branding, this release celebrated the shoe’s 23rd anniversary, a nod to Michael Jordan’s iconic jersey number.
• 2019: Much to the delight of purists, the pair returned for its 30th anniversary with the highly coveted “Nike Air” branding on the heel, offering a faithful reproduction of the 1989 original.
• 2024: The “Bred Reimagined” offered a new twist, famously replacing the traditional nubuck upper with a full leather construction, while aiming for an ’89 original shape and feel.

Verdict: If achieving the truest OG experience is your aim, the nod absolutely goes to the upcoming 2025 “White Cement” AJ4, especially when placed against the deliberate material shift of the 2024 “Bred Reimagined” (Black Cement) AJ4.

Retail & Resale Prices

Beyond aesthetics and historical fidelity, the practical matter of price often plays a deciding role. Looking at the latest pairs for both, their retail prices don’t stray far from each other: the upcoming 2025 “White Cement” AJ4 is set to retail at US$225, while the 2024 “Bred Reimagined” (Black Cement) AJ4 arrived with a retail tag of US$210.

Market data as of 20 May 2025

However, the landscape changes significantly when looking towards popular resale platforms. For a common size like US9, the price differences between the “White Cement” (yes, early pairs of the 2025 retros are now available) and the “Bred Reimagined” show a more considerable gap.

Current data from SNKRDUNK shows the “White Cement” hovers around US$252, while the “Bred Reimagined” can be found for a more accessible US$189 on average.

Verdict: For the best cost performance, we’d recommend the “Bred Reimagined” (Black Cement) AJ4. However, it’s important to note that prices for the “White Cement” AJ4 may fluctuate following its release on 24 May 2025.

Conclusion

Of course, when the dust settles, it all boils down to individual preferences. Whether you are a dedicated basketball fan, a die-hard sneaker collector, or simply a streetwear enthusiast, you truly can’t go wrong with either pair.

Thanks to continuous improvements in sneaker technology throughout the years, you can rest assured that either choice will stay remarkably true to its original iconic design, but with further advancements in material science, resulting in enhanced durability and comfort that elevate the experience even further.

Ultimately, both the White Cement and Black Cement AJ4s stand as undeniable titans of footwear, bridging decades with their timeless appeal. The only question left is, which legend will you lace up next?

Air Jordan 4 Retro “White Cement” (2025)

Air Jordan 4 “Bred Reimagined/Black Cement” (2024)

Buy Now

For the latest releases, breaking news, and exclusive interviews, stay tuned to the SNKRDUNK Magazine and @snkrdunk on Instagram. Explore the SNKRDUNK App and use the welcome code from the banner below before making your first purchase. Additionally, if you want to try a pair out, visit our stores in Singapore and Japan!

Follow us on: